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Because of the sheer number of movies in which he appeared, Toones is one of the most prolific character faces in B-Westerns and cliffhangers. He appeared in over 200 films between 1928 and 1951; and between 1936 and 1947, Toones worked under contract for Republic Pictures, appearing in about 40 of its films.

His standard characterization was that of a middle-aged "colored" man with a high-pitched voice and childlike demeanor. Like ‘Curly’ Howard and Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister, who followed the tradition of using an antonymous nickname as both their professional name and character name,[1] "Snowflake" was the distinct stage name by which Toones was best known, and he used this name as his credit as early as his third film, 1931’s Shanghaied Love. Likewise, in Shanghaied Love and over 35 other films, “Snowflake” was also Toones’ character name.[2]

Toones played a bootblack or shoeshine man in at least six of his movies, and in film director William Witney's autobiography, Witney reveals that in addition to playing bit parts, Toones actually ran the shoeshine stand at Republic Studios.[4]

His being cast in only comedic bit parts and small nonsupporting roles meant his efforts were more often than not uncredited (of 210 films where he made an appearance, he was credited in 73 of them), as was the norm for bit players in Hollywood at the time. For example, Robert Dudley (who appeared in two movies with Toones: The Palm Beach Story and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) made 93 films between 1930 and 1951 – many times playing a millionaire, doctor, judge, scientist, minister, or lawman - but was credited in only eight of them. In contrast, character actor Stepin Fetchit made only 53 films (one-quarter as many as Toones) playing the same kind of parts as Toones, but received credit in nearly every one of them.[5]